Nominations now open for London’s largest youth population to elect Young Mayor

Nominations are now open for London’s largest youth population to elect their first Young Mayor, giving them a new ambassador and placing them at the heart of local democracy.

With more young people living in Croydon than anywhere else in the capital, the successful candidate will represent 1 in 20 young Londoners, making the Croydon Young Mayor election among the most exciting in the country. It is the latest initiative in Croydon Council’s Choose Your Future campaign, which is about empowering young people and encouraging them to make positive life choices.

Voting will be open to young people aged 11-18, while candidates will be required to be aged 14-17 on 31 August 2018. Election information and candidate nomination packs are available at http://www.croydon.gov.uk/youngmayor. Nomination packs will also be sent to all schools.

Candidates must have the support of their headteacher or manager at work (schools can support a maximum of two nominees). They will also need at least 30 signatures from young people aged 11-18 who live in Croydon, or attend school or work in the borough, in support of their application. All those standing for election will prepare a written manifesto and run a local campaign with the support of their friends and volunteers, with guidance from council officers.

The winning candidate will serve a fixed term and work with other young people to manage a budget that will benefit local voluntary sector groups. They will be supported in their role by the Mayor of Croydon, senior councillors and council officers. Any young people standing will also get an opportunity to be part of local youth forums and other youth voice groups.

Nominations for Croydon’s Young Mayor close on 5 February. Polling day will be 13 March, with the successful candidate announced on 15 March.

“If you are thinking about applying – go for it. You could become the voice of 1 in 20 Londoners and play a key role in getting their views heard and their ideas put into practice.

“We are proud to be London’s young borough and with a fantastically diverse community, Croydon’s Young Mayor election promises to be really exciting.

“We want the successful candidate to be an ambassador for young people in our borough and for all young Londoners. But with so many talented, enthusiastic and hard-working young people in our borough, I know the successful candidates will be an inspiration for residents of all ages.”

Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning